The Chessmen of Mars - Classic Text | Alexandria
A masterwork of planetary romance that seamlessly blends chess motifs with Martian adventure, "The Chessmen of Mars" (1922) stands as the fifth installment in Edgar Rice Burroughs' acclaimed Barsoom series. This intricate narrative follows Tara of Helium, daughter of John Carter, as she navigates the dangerous landscapes of Barsoom (Mars), particularly in the mysterious city of Manator, where living chess games determine the fate of prisoners.
Published first as a serial in Argosy All-Story Weekly from February through March 1922, before being released as a complete novel by A. C. McClurg later that year, the work emerged during a period of growing public fascination with both Mars and chess. Burroughs crafted this tale during the aftermath of World War I, when scientific romanticism and escapist literature provided crucial respite from post-war disillusionment. The novel's timing coincided with significant astronomical observations of Mars and a renaissance in competitive chess, lending it particular cultural resonance.
The narrative introduces the memorable game of Jetan, a Martian variant of chess, which Burroughs detailed so thoroughly that enthusiasts have since created playable versions. The author's invention of this game, complete with specific rules and pieces, demonstrates his remarkable world-building capabilities and attention to detail. The story's setting in Manator, with its barbaric tradition of living chess matches where captured pieces face death, creates a compelling metaphor for the political machinations and power struggles that characterized both fictional Barsoom and real-world society.
The novel's influence extends beyond its era, inspiring countless science fiction authors and game designers. Its unique blend of chess mythology with science fiction tropes continues to resonate in modern media, from chess-themed video games to science fiction narratives exploring game theory and strategy. Contemporary readings of the text often focus on its examination of free will versus determinism, as represented through the chess motif, while its depiction of a strong female protagonist in Tara of Helium remains notably progressive for its time. The work stands as a testament to Burroughs' ability to weave complex philosophical questions into adventurous narratives that captivate readers across generations.